BY REBECCA BENNETT — At the Nov. 16 Hyattsville City Council meeting, the council discussed participating in the AARP Maryland and World Health Organization Age-Friendly Cities & Communities Network.
According to AARP.com, their network of age-friendly communities is an affiliate of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Program, which AARP said is “an international effort launched in 2006 to help cities prepare for rapid population aging and the parallel trend of urbanization.”
Mayor Candace Hollingsworth said that the program allows cities to gain technical assistance and access to resources. To participate in the program, she said, the city would have to send a letter of intent, as well as pass a resolution to be an age-friendly community.
Hollingsworth said she believes she found out about the program at a Hyattsville Aging in Place (HAP) panel discussion. It is separate from HAP, she said, but activities can be held in conjunction with HAP.
According to a city memo, AARP’s network of age-friendly communities works to enhance the health and quality of life of older adults in regards to outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, as well as community support and health services.
“It’s not just about seniors,” Community Services Director Jake Rollow said. “You end up looking at things that impact all age groups.”
A motion on the topic will appear on the consent agenda at the Dec. 7 council meeting.
